Explosion at a gas manufacturer

The explosion occurred at the premises of a manufacturer of special gases. A hydrogen trailer in the trailer parking lot had leaked hydrogen, which then ignited. The explosion was clearly audible in the neighbourhood. A fire engulfing other combustible materials, such as the tyres of the trailer, followed the explosion. The smoke cloud was visible from far.
The plant fire brigade was immediately on site and brought the risk under control, by fighting the fire and keeping cold the surroundings. No one was injured. From the pictures released by the sources, it can be deduced that a full bundle of vertically structured hydrogen bottles burned down, affecting also two adjacent trailers carrying horizontal tubes. Some of the bottles of the burned down bundle are seen metres away from the original location, one being almost completely charcoaled .

trailer

DESCRIPTION OF THE FACILITY
The company produces oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide and several other special gases. It supplies hydrogen to several HRS.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRAILER
The trailer was of a new type, taken in operation less than one year before.
Its total hydrogen capacity could only be estimated in a range between 500 to 1000 kg.

no injury. Property losses unknown.
The explosion was clearly audible in the immediate vicinity as a loud bang, which also damaged some nearby window panes. The subsequent fire on the trailer and its tyres produced a large cloud of smoke.
Hydrogen off takers, especially the refuelling stations (including a hydrogen train service), experienced shortage of hydrogen delivery for at least 14 days.